On Thursday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua presided over the release of the Tea Sector Performance Report, 2023, at Tea House, Nairobi where he revealed fortunes in the Tea Sub-sector are looking up because of the key legal and policy reforms the government is implementing in the industry.

The DP pointed out that the high exchange rate of the US Dollar against the Shilling benefited over 834,000 farmers, enabling them to earn more per kilo in 2023 compared to the previous year.

”In one year since we rolled out the reforms, production has shot up and last year, we exported 523 million Kgs of tea which was a remarkable increase from 450 million Kgs in 2022. Owing to the higher production, tea earnings rose to Sh180 billion last year up from Sh138 billion in 2022,” the DP said.

He emphasised how the utilization of bonuses by small-scale farmers to pay school fees showcases direct benefits to farmers.

He affirmed that the Ruto administration remains committed to pushing for more earnings because this Sub-sector has the potential to realise more income to farmers.

”We appreciate the efforts of the Tea Board of Kenya and other industry players for their commitment and cooperation as we streamline the sector.”

The DP announced efforts to conquer new markets and explore bilateral engagements with countries like China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are highlighted as part of expanding international market reach.

“The Executive is exploring bilateral engagements with other markets such as China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in pursuit of a bigger bite of the international market.”

“We are ready to implement radical reforms in the Tea Subsector to the end. The challenges we are facing in court cases are short-lived. The farmer, who is the boss, will in the end- benefit from the tea business,” he added.

The second in command is at the forefront, pushing for radical reforms in the Coffee, Tea, and Dairy industries, three main sectors that are currently powering Kenya’s economy.

As factories prepare for elections, the Gachagua urged farmers to prioritize integrity.